Lewis County, Washington Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Lewis County, Washington?
Arrest records are public documents in Lewis County, Washington, pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56). This legislation establishes that government-held records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Washington State Public Records Act serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability in law enforcement activities.
Members of the public may request arrest records from various Lewis County agencies, including the Lewis County Sheriff's Office and the Lewis County Clerk's Office. These records are maintained as part of the county's commitment to open government and public safety. Requestors should note that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections established under RCW 42.56.050 and other applicable statutes.
The Lewis County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its statutory duties under RCW 36.28.010, which designates the sheriff as the chief executive officer and conservator of the peace of the county. These records document law enforcement activities and are preserved for both administrative and public information purposes.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Lewis County?
Lewis County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Lewis County Jail Roster provides current information regarding individuals currently in custody, including booking information and charges. This resource is updated regularly to reflect the current jail population and recent booking activities.
The Lewis County Superior Court maintains an online case management system where court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings may be accessed. Pursuant to Washington Court Rule GR 31, these court records are presumptively open to public access unless sealed by court order.
Additionally, the Washington State Courts website provides a court date search function that allows members of the public to locate information about scheduled court appearances in Lewis County and throughout Washington State. This resource facilitates public access to the judicial process and provides transparency regarding court proceedings.
Digital access to these records is provided in accordance with RCW 43.105.351, which encourages government agencies to provide electronic access to public records when feasible. The online availability of these records enhances public access while reducing administrative burden on county offices.
How to Look Up Lewis County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Lewis County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several established methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are available for conducting arrest record searches:
- Submit a public records request to the Lewis County Sheriff's Office through their Records Request portal. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or electronically in accordance with RCW 42.56.520.
Lewis County Sheriff's Office
345 W. Main Street
Chehalis, WA 98532
(360) 748-9286
Lewis County Sheriff's Office
Access the Lewis County Jail Bookings website to view recent arrest information, including booking dates, arresting agencies, and preliminary charge information.
Submit a records request to the Lewis County Clerk's Office for court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings. The Clerk's Office maintains official court records pursuant to RCW 36.23.030.
Lewis County Clerk's Office
345 W. Main Street, 2nd Floor
Chehalis, WA 98532
(360) 740-1208
Court Records/Records Requests
Visit the Lewis County Public Records Department website to submit a comprehensive public records request that may encompass multiple county departments.
Utilize the Washington State Patrol criminal history record check service for official criminal history information, including arrest data. This service is available pursuant to RCW 10.97.050 and requires payment of statutory fees.
Requestors should note that response times for records requests are governed by RCW 42.56.520, which requires agencies to respond within five business days of receiving a request. Complex requests may require additional time for processing.
Contents of a Lewis County Arrest Record
Lewis County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the circumstances and details of an arrest. These records typically include the following components as required by Washington State law and county procedures:
- Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and, when available, a booking photograph
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
- Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
- Booking information, including assigned identification numbers and processing details
- Custody status information, including bail or bond amounts if applicable
- Preliminary court appearance information
- Fingerprint records when collected pursuant to RCW 43.43.735
- Property inventory of items in the arrestee's possession at the time of booking
The content and format of these records adhere to standards established by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs and the Washington State Patrol. Certain information may be redacted from public copies in accordance with exemptions provided in RCW 42.56.240, which protects specific law enforcement information and personal privacy.
Arrest records are distinct from criminal history records, which compile an individual's entire history of arrests and dispositions. Criminal history records are subject to additional regulations under the Washington State Criminal Records Privacy Act (RCW 10.97).
Expungement of Arrest Records in Lewis County
Under Washington State law, individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records in Lewis County under specific circumstances. The process is governed by RCW 10.97.060 and related statutes, which establish procedures for the deletion or sealing of non-conviction data.
Eligibility criteria for expungement of arrest records typically include:
- Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal
- Cases where charges were never filed within the applicable statute of limitations
- Successful completion of a diversion agreement
- Satisfaction of waiting periods established by statute (typically two years for misdemeanors and three years for felonies)
- Absence of subsequent criminal charges during the waiting period
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Lewis County Superior Court. Petitioners must provide documentation demonstrating eligibility under the applicable statutes. The court reviews each petition individually, considering factors including:
- The nature and severity of the original charge
- The petitioner's criminal history before and after the arrest
- The petitioner's compliance with all court-ordered requirements
- The public interest in maintaining or expunging the record
If granted, an expungement order directs all relevant agencies to seal or destroy records pertaining to the arrest. Pursuant to RCW 10.97.060, agencies must comply with court-ordered expungements within 60 days of receiving the order.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process requires strict adherence to statutory requirements and court rules. The Lewis County Superior Court provides standardized forms for expungement petitions in accordance with Washington Court Rules.
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